Device for high throughput sample processing, analysis and collection, and methods of use thereof

Abstract

A microanalysis device having a plurality of sample processing compartments is described for use in liquid phase analysis. A microanalysis device system, comprising a plurality of interconnected microanalysis devices. The device is formed by microfabrication of microstructures in novel support substrates. The invention herein can be used for the analysis of small and/or macromolecular and/or other solutes in the liquid phase.

We claim:  
     
       1. A microanalysis device system comprising first and second interconnected microanalysis devices wherein each microanalysis device comprises a substrate having: 
       (a) first and second substantially planar opposing surfaces; and  
       (b) a plurality of independent, parallel intramicroanalysis sample processing compartments capable of receiving and processing a plurality of samples simultaneously, wherein each compartment extends through the substrate from an inlet port at the first surface of the substrate to an outlet port at the second surface of the substrate, with an intramicroanalysis sample treatment component therebetween,  
       wherein each of the outlet ports of the first microanalysis device is in fluid communication with an inlet port of the second microanalysis device.  
     
     
       2. The microanalysis device system of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one additional microanalysis device interposed between the first and second microanalysis devices, wherein the inlet ports and the outlet ports of each additional microanalysis device are in fluid communication with the outlet ports and inlet ports, respectively, of the adjacent microanalysis devices. 
     
     
       3. The microanalysis device system of  claim 1 , further including at least one intramicroanalysis sample flow component comprised of a flow passage that provides fluid communication between two or more intramicroanalysis sample processing compartments located within the same substrate. 
     
     
       4. The microanalysis device system of  claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of intramicroanalysis sample flow components comprised of flow passages that serially connect the sample treatment components in a single substrate and provide fluid communication therebetween. 
     
     
       5. The microanalysis device system of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second microanalysis devices are in fluid communication by virtue of a direct interconnection therebetween. 
     
     
       6. The microanalysis device system of  claim 5 , wherein the direct interconnection comprises a boss interposed between the first and second microanalysis devices, an O-ring interposed between the first and second microanalysis devices, a direct, planar adhesive contact between the first and second microanalysis devices, or a sleeve fitting comprised of a projection on the first microanalysis device that sealingly fits into a corresponding sleeve on the second microanalysis device. 
     
     
       7. The microanalysis device system of  claim 1 , wherein inter-microanalysis device fluid communication is by a separate interconnection. 
     
     
       8. The microanalysis device system of  claim 1 , further comprising a means for aligning an outlet port in the first microanalysis device with an inlet port in the second microanalysis device. 
     
     
       9. The microanalysis device system of  claim 8 , wherein the alignment means comprises a separate physical alignment means, a projection-and-mating depression alignment means or an optical alignment means. 
     
     
       10. The microanalysis device system of  claim 1 , wherein at least one sample processing compartment further comprises a sample flow component in serial arrangement with the sample treatment component. 
     
     
       11. The microanalysis device system of  claim 10 , wherein the serial arrangement of the sample flow component and the sample treatment component is alternating. 
     
     
       12. The microanalysis device system of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the inlet ports or the outlet ports enable inter-microanalysis device fluid communication. 
     
     
       13. The microanalysis device system of  claim 12 , wherein at least one of the inlet ports and the outlet ports enable inter-microanalysis device fluid communication. 
     
     
       14. The microanalysis device system of  claim 1 , wherein each of the sample treatment components performs the same function. 
     
     
       15. The microanalysis device system of  claim 14 , wherein each of the sample treatment components comprise the same element. 
     
     
       16. The microanalysis device system of  claim 14 , wherein each of the sample treatment components comprises a different element. 
     
     
       17. The microanalysis device system of  claim 1 , wherein each of the outlet ports is in fluid communication with a sample detection means. 
     
     
       18. The microanalysis device system of  claim 17 , wherein each of the outlet port is in fluid communication with an on-device sample detection means.